Zen (2009)

'Zen' Buddhist teacher Dogen Zenji is a very important religious person during the Kamakura period, 750 years ago. After his mother died, he decides to move to China and settle as a ... See full summary »

Director:

Banmei Takahashi

Writers:

Banmei Takahashi (screenplay), Tetsuo Ôtani (novel)

Stars:

Kankurô Nakamura, Yuki Uchida, Ryushin Tei

Cast

Credited cast:
Kankurô Nakamura	...	Dôgen (as Kantarô Nakamura)
Yuki Uchida	...	Orin
Ryushin Tei	...	Jakuen / Kugyô Minamotono
Kengo Kôra	...	Shunryô
Ken'ichirô Yasui	...	Gikai
Jun Murakami	...	Ejô
Masanobu Katsumura	...	Yoshishige Hatano
Tatsuya Fujiwara	...	Tokiyori Hôjô
Tianyong Zheng	...	Nyôjô
Masahiko Nishimura	...	Setsu-ô
Shun Sugata	...	Kônin
Show Aikawa	...	Matsuzô (as Shô Aikawa)
Takashi Sasano	...	Rôsô
Keiko Takahashi	...	Ishi
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Kiyomi Doi

Storyline

'Zen' Buddhist teacher Dogen Zenji is a very important religious person during the Kamakura period, 750 years ago. After his mother died, he decides to move to China and settle as a Buddhist teacher. One bright morning, enlightened, Zenji returns to Japan as a devoted evangelist of the 'new' Buddhism. However, this new form of Buddhism is not accepted in all communities.

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Plot Keywords:

buddhism | china | 13th century | buddhist | zen | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Hojo Tokiyori (1223-1263)was the regent for the Kamakura shogun. He was the real boss of the Kamakura government.

User Reviews

I loved this movie--- so good

I just finished watching this movie at the UW screening before it is released nationwide. I have to say that I am deeply moved by it despite the fact that some of the Chinese characters are played by Japanese.There are several scenes that are so captivating, leaving my heart filled with excitement, joy and at the same time sorrow. The last few scenes really made this movie stand out. I especially enjoyed the little girl's explanation of what she is doing and how this is reflected in the Buddha in her heart. I believe that the Buddha in everyone's mind might be different from one another. The pursuit of the truth, tranquility and beauty might take different pathways. But what this movie reveals is the eternal power of what a man can achieve and what a man should give up. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in some of the concepts conveyed so beautifully and profoundly.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese Mandarin

Release Date:

10 January 2009 (Japan)

Also Known As:

Dogen - Zen mester

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,877,113

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kadokawa Pictures, Twins Japan

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1